January 21, (THEWILL) — The Ogun State Government has, again, halted the selection process for the next Awujale of Ijebuland, following petitions, security reports and complaints alleging irregularities in the exercise.
The directive was issued by the Chairman of Ijebu Ode Local Government Area, Hon. Dare Alebiosun, who instructed the Fusengbuwa Ruling House and the Awujale kingmakers to suspend all activities connected to the choice of a new monarch.
The development marks the second time the process has been stopped since the death of the late Awujale, Oba Sikiru Adetona.
In a letter dated January 20, 2026, and addressed to the Awujale Kingmakers’ Council, the local government said the decision was taken in line with the provisions of the Obas and Chiefs Law of Ogun State, 2021.
The letter, signed by the Secretary to the Local Government Chairman, Oke Abiodun Adebanjo, stated that government was empowered to set aside any appointment if such action was deemed necessary in the interest of peace, order and good governance.
“In taking this decision, government has had due regard to the provisions of the Obas and Chiefs Law of Ogun State, 2021, which empower it to set aside an appointment if the Executive Council is satisfied that it is in the interest of peace, order and good government to do so”, the letter stated.
It added that the local government acted proactively to forestall any breakdown of peace and to protect the integrity of the revered traditional institution in Ijebuland.
Consequently, the kingmakers were directed to halt the selection process forthwith and await further directives from the authorities.
However, in a new twist, the Department of State Services (DSS), Ogun State Command, was reported to have invited nominees for the Awujale stool for screening, even as the state government’s suspension remains in force.
Details of the DSS invitation could not be independently verified as at the time of filing this report.
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